Spool Valve Sealing Ring Structure for Pressure-Tight Conveying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing slide valves for pneumatic conveying lines face challenges in achieving reliable sealing, especially during pressureless states, which affects the efficiency and reliability of material transfer.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an L-shaped sealing ring with a flat annular disk and a cylindrical leg that rests on a support ring, ensuring radial support and optimal sealing, along with positioning rings that maintain the sealing ring's position and allow pressure to act on it even in the absence of conveying pressure, and a compact slide valve structure with pivotable and easily adjustable mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a simple seal design is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sealing reliability deteriorates under pressure conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is designed with an L-shaped cross-section that allows it to dynamically adapt its sealing surface. The flat leg provides sealing against the slide valve face, while the cylindrical leg provides sealing against the support ring. This dynamic geometry enables the seal to maintain reliability under varying pressure conditions without requiring complex multi-component sealing systems.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sealing ring are designed with different geometries to perform different sealing functions. The flat leg (first portion) seals against the slide valve, while the cylindrical leg (second portion) seals against the support ring. This local differentiation of sealing surfaces allows reliable sealing under pressure without increasing overall device complexity.
2Reliability
If the seal is pressed against the slide valve by pressure medium, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates during pressureless states
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring's L-shaped design allows it to be dynamically supported by pressure in the receiving chamber during operation, improving sealing reliability. However, during pressureless states (pauses in production), the positioning ring provides mechanical support to keep the sealing ring in place, enabling easy slide movement without requiring pressure medium.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning ring acts as an intermediary element that provides mechanical support to the sealing ring during pressureless states. This intermediary structure ensures the sealing ring remains positioned without requiring continuous pressure medium application, thus maintaining ease of operation during pauses while preserving sealing capability when pressure is applied.
3Reliability
If the sealing ring is tightly supported, then sealing reliability is improved, but the ease of operation worsens due to increased friction
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing ring is supported locally at two distinct positions: the flat leg is supported against the slide valve face, and the cylindrical leg is supported against the support ring. This localized dual-point support provides reliable sealing while distributing contact forces, preventing excessive friction that would impede slide movement during pressureless states.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design ensures reliable sealing and easy movement of the slide valve between positions, maintaining a pressure-tight seal during both pressure and vacuum conditions, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of material transfer in pneumatic conveying systems.
Implementation Method 1
The sealing ring has a receiving chamber surrounding the pipe section for a pressure medium. This presses the two legs of the sealing ring against the valve and the support ring, ensuring a reliable seal of the delivery line and its pipe sections in the area of the valve.
Implementation Method 2
The conveyed material is conveyed through the conveying line by means of a vacuum or pressure.
Implementation Method 3
The conveyed material is conveyed through the conveying line by means of a vacuum or pressure.
Data Source
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AI summary
The disclosed spool valve is used especially in conveying systems comprising conveying pipes (6, 7) and includes a spool (1) which allows the conveying cross-section of the conveying pipe (6, 7) to be closed. The spool (1) has at least one through-hole (33). The conveying pipe (6, 7) is sealed from the spool (1) by at least one sealing ring (27, 28). Said sealing ring (27, 28) surrounds the conveying line (6, 7) and includes a washer-shaped sealing portion. Said sealing portion lies flat on the spool and seals under the effect of the difference between the pressure in the conveying line (6, 7) and the ambient pressure.